La Vergne has defeated its North Rutherford rival just one time in school history. However, this may be a prime opportunity to win No. 2. The Bulldogs break in a new offense, a new quarterback and return few starters from a year ago. However, La Vergne is also breaking in a new quarterback. If the Wolverines can open up holes for running backs Maleik Gray and Roshea Grays, then there will be an upset in the making. If not, Smyrna will pull away behind its back, Kyle Smith.

Smyrna 27, La Vergne 21

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Siegel’s Andrew Knox is a load to bring down at running back.
(Photo:
HELEN COMER/DNJ
)

RIVERDALE (0-0) AT SIEGEL (0-0)

7 p.m., Friday

Radio: WGNS (1450-AM, 100.5-FM, 101.9-FM)

Riverdale ditched its Wing-T offense in favor of the spread this season. That should mean a high-paced, high-scoring night between these two District 7-AAA rivals. Both teams will likely play new quarterbacks too. Cane Ridge transfer Cortland Owens along with last year's starter Marqwell Odom should each see time for Riverdale. Jordan Middleton is the starter for Siegel. But it may all come down to the run game with brothers Andrew and Andre Knox leading Siegel and Artavious Collier and Austin Bryant leading the Warriors.

Stewarts Creek starts season two with the tall task of having to stop the state's top receiver in Van Jefferson. After taking their lumps a year ago, the Red Hawks return their entire starting lineup led by quarterback Mason Hall, who threw for more than 1,500 yards. Hall will be helped by a ground game that includes Jasper Snowden and Jerry Carnell. However, Ravenwood returns seven starters on each side of the ball and reached the second round of the 6A playoffs a year ago.

Ravenwood 35, Stewarts Creek 21

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MTCS quarterback Justin Winn enters his second full season as the Cougars’ startering quarterback.
(Photo:
TOM KREAGER/DNJ
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MTCS (0-0) AT CANNON CO. (0-0)

7 p.m., Friday

Radio: WBRY (96.7-FM, 1540-AM)

The Fred Shambaugh era begins on the road for the Cougars. Shambaugh replaced Brian Stewart in the offseason and brought with hm a faster-paced spread offense that will try to mimic the speed of Oregon. The good thing for MTCS? The Cougars return quarterback Justin Winn, who threw for more than 1,800 yards in 2013 and they return several key receivers in Griffin Harper, Austin Melton and Trey Hickey, who was also an all-state defensive back. Cannon County is trying to get off to a rare win to open the season. The Lions have shown improvement in the offseason under second-year coach T.J. Daniel. Cannon County will also run a spread offense using the quarterback combination of Josh Walkup and Jake Hoskins.

MTCS 42, Cannon Co. 13

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Eagleville’s Wes Vallance will be part of a running back platoon system for the Eagles.
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HELEN COMER/DNJ
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MT. PLEASANT (0-0) AT EAGLEVILLE (0-0)

7 p.m. Friday

The most successful backfield in Eagleville history is gone. But at least the Eagles return several key offensive linemen to open holes for an inexperienced run game and provide protection for an even more inexperienced quarterback. A.J. Garza gives the Eagles a mobile quarterback. He's still developing his passing game. Add the running duo of Wes Vallance and Rodney Turner and the Eagles' ground game may be in good shape. The Eagles defense, which was plus-13 in the turnover margin a year ago, must slow down Ken'yores Smith.

It's hard to say the District 7-AAA champion will be determined by the winner of the first game of the season. However, the Patriots and Blaze are the overwhelming preseason favorites. Both are ranked nationally and will play in front of a national TV audience. Blackman enters with an experienced offense led by Tennessee commitment Jauan Jennings at quarterback. Oakland comes to the The Inferno with a highly-touted defense that includes eight returning starters off a team that gave up just 8.8 points a game. Oakland linebackers Josh Smith (Vanderbilt commitment) and Kevin Prather lead the Patriots defense. Oakland's secondary will be tested against Jennings' favorite targets — Quen Hardy, Ronnie Killings and Lorel Morton. Defense likely wins this round.